If you don't want to take A-levels, there are plenty of other options out
there. Here's a quick guide to take you through what you can do following
GCSEs

GCSE results day is finally here. The changes to the school leaving age mean that this is the first year that pupils getting their results will have to continue with education until their 18th birthday.

However, this does not mean you have to go on to take A-levels; you might prefer to take a vocational course or apprenticeship.

Vocational courses If you want to gain practical skills that you can take straight into the workplace, a vocational course might be the best option for you. These cover a range of areas, from business to health and social care, to science and engineering.

BTEC qualifications, NVQ (National Vocational Qualifications) and Cambridge Nationals span across levels 1 to 8 in the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). Level 1 is equivalent to GCSE grades D-G, level 2 is equivalent GCSE grades A*-C, while level 3 is equivalent to AS and A-levels.

Foundation learning courses are also on offer at entry level to provide help with the fundamental skills needed to progress with further education and work in the future.

Will Dickson, head of careers at Cambridge Regional College, said that for some students vocational courses are a much better option than A-levels: “Vocational courses are often more meaningful for students than academic courses – the students can see where they are leading and their motivation is very high.

"They are beginning to look at the real world, and they gain the practical skills to do a good job and establish themselves in a career.

“At Cambridge Regional College, we also put a big emphasis on employability skills – good communication skills, English, Maths and IT are all important – alongside each student’s full-time programme of study.

“Universities are also happy to take vocational students to degree level and beyond, so that pathway is still open to them if they choose.”

95 per cent of universities and colleges accept students with BTEC qualifications, including some Russell Group members.

Apprenticeships A number of top companies now run apprenticeship schemes, including National Grid, British Gas and Toyota. In fact, apprenticeships can be found in a whole range of industries, from hospitality and retail to plumbing and construction.

Not only do you get a great deal of practical experience as an apprentice, but you also get paid to work for your employer as they train you for a particular role. You’ll also typically go to college once a week to study towards a nationally-recognised qualification.

Steve Skinner, skills development manager at construction company, Keepmoat, said that they were still looking to take on more than 100 apprentices this year: “Apprentices are a fundamental part of our strategy for training the next generation of construction talent. Investing in apprenticeships is not just about creating short-term jobs but teaching our apprentices the skills which will help them to build lifelong careers."

Traineeships Traineeships, which were launched by the Government last August, are a relatively new option, but are designed to give young people the skills to become ‘work ready’.

Heidi Hodgson, who runs traineeship programmes at Cambridge Regional College, said: “If you’re not quite ready for an apprenticeship or work, a traineeship programme could help prepare you for the workplace, providing employability skills, help with CVs, work experience opportunities and English and Maths support.” The scheme normally runs for up to 6 months.

Part-time courses If full-time education isn't for you, many colleges offer part-time education or training courses for those who work or volunteer for at least 20 hours a week.